College Ready

What is the TSI? The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a program designed to determine if a student is ready for college-level course work in the general areas of reading, writing and mathematics. It is a 3 part test. This test will also help determine what type of course or intervention will best meet the student's needs and to assist in becoming better prepared for college-level course work. More information can be found here.

How do you determine if you are TSI (college ready)?

Check the chart below to see if you meet the exemption test scores, if not, then you will need to schedule a TSI test with our TSI test coordinator Diana Clawson.

State-Approved Minimum Scoresto be TSI Complete (TSI Testing)

Minimum Scores Eligible for TSI Exemption

*ACT/SAT scores not older than 5 years and from same test date only. Do I have to take all 3 parts of the exam? Not necessarily. Students must test only in the area they are not exempted, so partial exemptions apply.How do I sign up for the TSI TEST? To sign up for the TSI exam test click: HERE.

TSI Test Details All Testing will be in Computer Lab 264 at 9:00 AM. Arrive early. Every student will do a Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) before taking the TSI Assessment, this is done on your testing day.The test is un-timed. Students cannot bring calculators - they'll only be allowed to use the calculator app provided by the test. Please contact Ms. Clawson at diana.clawson@austinisd.org with any questions, changes or cancellations about the test.

What if I don’t pass one or more sections of the TSI? Students may retest if they do not pass, however, between testing sessions, students MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF PREPARATION for the re-test. This can be in the form of online test prep or in-person tutoring. Visit Diana Clawson in the tutoring center for details and to learn more about this.

Why is it important to be TSI ready when I graduate from Austin High? College is expensive and takes time to complete a degree. If you are not college ready based on TSI when you enroll as a freshman, you are beginning college in a deficit. Meaning, you are not going to start earning college credit until you are TSI ready. This costs money too, you pay for the developmental courses without getting college credit for them. You must enroll in a developmental course every semester (Fall/Spring/Summer I/Summer II) until you clear all three sections of TSI. Dropping a developmental course may result in a TSI violation. Talk to the adviser at your college before dropping any developmental course. Financial Aid does not pay for developmental courses. We want to help you avoid this.